A Decade of Excellence: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre Celebrates 10 Years

  BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is thrilled to offer a day full of free family fun on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to mark the 10th anniversary of the extensive renovation of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. “On behalf of Council, I am very pleased to celebrate the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre’s 10th anniversary of inspiring greatness in our community,” says Mayor Kevin Davis. “This state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of recreational programming for residents of all ages and welcomes thousands of people through its doors for swim meets, hockey tournaments and more. I encourage everyone to join us on October 21 to take advantage of the free family fun and re-discover the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.” The 10th Anniversary Celebration includes something for everyone to showcase the incredible recreational opportunities available to the residents of the City of Brantford. Attendees are encouraged to start the day by visiting the welcome table in the lobby located just inside the main doors, pick up their keepsake 10th Anniversary Passport with a full list of activities being offered throughout the day. They can also pick up a Wayne Gretzky Poster and ballot to enter to win a free 44-inch Matrix Portable Adjustable Basketball Backboard, Hoop and Net System valued at $287. Attendees can get a bird’s eye view of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre from atop the Campbell Amusements Ferris Wheel. Rides are free! Witness history in the making as Doug “The Great” Hunt attempts to break the stilt walking Guinness World Record from 55 feet in the air! Attempts will take place, weather-permitting, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. “In 2002, I set a Guinness World Record for tallest stilt walker from 50 feet and 9 inches,"  says Doug “The Great” Hunt. "I am grateful to the Brantford community for their outpouring of support in my upcoming attempt to regain my Guinness World Record at 55 feet in support of Participation House Brantford.! I can’t wait to see everyone from 55 feet on October 21st!”  The Lookout Sports Lounge cafeteria and licensed restaurant will be open for those looking to grab a bite or a refreshment during the event. Free live performances and meet and greets Don’t miss NBA entertainer, The Q-MACK All-Star Experience Show at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Quincy Mack (aka Q-MACK) is a professional basketball freestyler, public speaker and youth educator from Brantford and has worked as a touring entertainer for over 20 years.  Space is limited for this one of a kind interactive show.   Kids of all ages can take part in a special meet and greet with PAW PATROL’s Chase and Skye at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Free recreational activities A free Family Skate on rink 1 will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by Cornerstone Capital Financial Group. Skaters can get an opportunity to meet Olympic Gold Medalist and 2nd overall draft pick to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Jocelyne Larocque from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be sure to wear your favourite team jersey on the ice to receive a special treat from a member of the Cornerstone Capital Financial team.  Get active with the 45-minute Family Dance Fit class happening in the 2nd Floor Fitness Studio at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Splash into fun during the free Public Swim from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., sponsored by Millards Chartered Professional Accountants. Swim Admission Requirements will be followed. Walter Gretzky Public Art unveiling Shortly after the passing of our beloved Lord Mayor Walter Gretzky, father of Wayne Gretzky and Canada’s most beloved hockey dad, on March 4, 2021, members of the public spontaneously started placing hockey sticks, pucks and other paraphernalia with heartwarming tribute messages to Walter in his dedicated parking space at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. These tokens of affection were collected by City staff and used as part of a Call for Artists to create a new Public Art piece in this parking space using the tributes left behind by the community. Artist Karen Roberts was unanimously selected through a juried competition process for her proposal of a sculpture featuring an abstract net and oversized puck surrounded by hockey sticks, symbolizing Walter’s philosophy of always taking a shot at your goal. The piece is a reminder of Walter’s impact on the local sport community and its players. Join members of the Gretzky family for the official unveiling on October 21 at 12:15 p.m. Membership promotion On October 21, all purchases of an Annual Facility or Pool Membership Pass will receive two extra months free! Existing members can renew their passes on this day to take advantage of the special promotion.  For those wishing to check out all the facility has to offer, facility tours that include a visit to  Centreline Physio, Sports & Wellness clinic, will be available every 30-minutes leaving the main lobby beginning at 10 a.m. with the last tour offered at 5:30 p.m. Leading up to the big day on October 21, the City is continuing to offer a variety of free and low-cost recreational activities including; Family Yoga, Learn to Play Water Polo, Brantford Library Kiosk Unveiling, Laughing Yoga and more! Don’t miss the Pumpkin Public Swim on Friday, October 20 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Regular admission rates apply for the Pumpkin Swim. Source - Brantford

The First-Time Homebuyer's Survival Guide: Five Pitfalls to Avoid

  Buying your first home is a thrilling but daunting experience. It's a significant investment and, without the right guidance, it can become quite stressful. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore five crucial mistakes that first-time homebuyers often make and how to steer clear of them. 1. Not Knowing Your Budget  One of the most prevalent errors is not understanding your financial limits. To dodge this, calculate all potential costs beyond the property's price, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Seeking pre-approval for a mortgage is a wise step. It can be complex, so consider consulting with a mortgage professional to ensure you're on the right track. 2. Skipping a Home Inspection  Skipping a home inspection might seem cost-effective, but it's a blunder you'll likely regret. A thorough inspection can uncover hidden issues, saving you from unexpected expenses down the road. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind. 3. Falling in Love with a Home Too Quickly  As exciting as it is, don't let emotions drive your decisions. Falling head over heels for a home before it's yours can lead to impulsive choices and disappointment. Keep your options open and be prepared for competitive markets, where multiple offers might lead to heartbreak. 4. Not Working with the Right Agent  A real estate agent can make or break your homebuying experience. Choose wisely. Inexperienced or unprofessional agents can turn the process into a nightmare. Look for someone who knows the area you're interested in and understands your financial goals. If you need assistance, there are ways to find the right agent tailored to your needs. 5. Ignoring Location  Location plays a pivotal role in your quality of life and future resale value. Don't disregard it. Consider factors like schools, safety, proximity to amenities, and more. Take the time to explore the neighborhood thoroughly before making a decision. In conclusion, your first home purchase should be an enjoyable adventure. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can navigate the process with confidence. Have more questions? Feel free to ask in the comments. Your dream home awaits, and I'm here to help you find it!

Protecting Our Greenery: City's New Tree Preservation Outreach

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is taking a proactive stance in our commitment to mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. As part of this commitment, an enhanced Private Tree Protection By-law is being developed to protect 74 per cent of our local tree canopy that is on privately-owned lands. These lands include residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties. Public feedback is an essential part of the by-law enhancement process and this initiative will see dedicated staff hosting public Ward meetings to inform residents about the recommended by-law coverage, address questions, and gather valuable input from the community. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in this important process by visiting www.LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Trees, where they can access project resources, ask questions, and provide feedback. A City-wide, hybrid meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brantford City Hall (58 Dalhousie Street). Private tree protection engagement public meetings The City of Brantford will be hosting in-person public meetings where residents can drop in any time during the meeting to learn more about the recommended by-law coverage, ask questions and provide feedback. Meetings will be held in each ward across the city, but residents can attend any of the sessions below: Friday, October 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Woodman Community Centre, 491 Grey Street Monday, October 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lions Park Arena Community Room, 20 Edge Street Friday, October 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Branlyn Community Centre, 238 Brantwood Park Road Monday, October 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at T.B. Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre, 16 Morrell Street Friday, October 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Doug Snooks Community Centre, 333 Erie Avenue “Most trees in Brantford are located on private property,” says Gagan Batra, Manager of Business Support and Sustainability. “It is imperative that the City work with residents to preserve as many established trees as we can to ensure that everyone can enjoy a livable outdoor environment for many years to come.” All residents are invited to take an active role in shaping the future of Brantford’s natural landscape. By engaging in the development of the Private Tree Protection By-law at www.LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Trees, or by attending a public Ward meeting, residents can contribute to fostering a thriving urban ecosystem. To learn more about the City’s ongoing tree planting, maintenance, and protection services and programs, please visit Brantford.ca/TreesAndForestry. Background Following the declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019, the City has continuously championed efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In alignment with this vision, City Council adopted the Corporate and Community Climate Change Action Plans in 2020 and 2022, highlighting the importance of expanding the local tree canopy to mitigate emissions, alleviate urban heat, and provide refreshing shade for all. During its Committee of the Whole Operations meeting held on March 7, 2023, City Council unanimously supported a vital update to the City Tree Protection By-law. This amendment governs the planting, maintenance, and safeguarding of trees situated on City-owned and managed properties. The updated City Tree Protection Tree By-law came into effect on May 1, 2023. Additionally, the City’s Forestry Services remains committed to nurturing and growing the local tree canopy. Through regular tree planting and maintenance activities, the City takes an active role in supporting local green spaces. The City also works collaboratively with partners such as Brant Tree Collation to host community tree planting events and annual Free Residential Tree Giveaways. -Source Brantford.ca

Countdown to Completion: Trillium Way Housing by Spring 2025

BRANTFORD, ON – The need for more affordable housing in our community has never been greater. At present, there are over 975 households on the centralized housing waitlist for community housing, whereby over 65 per cent of applicants are waiting for one and two-bedroom units including seniors, people with no dependents and small families. In March 2022, the City of Brantford and the County of Brant approved the creation of a new affordable housing build on Trillium Way in Paris, Brant – one of the collaborative projects being implemented to achieve the deliverables set out in the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force Affordable Action Housing Plan. The Trillium Way housing development will be occupied by singles, couples, small families, and seniors within the City of Brantford and the County of Brant. Through a request for proposals (RFP) process, VERLY Construction Group was selected to construct the new affordable housing build that will feature 49 one and two-bedroom units for a mixture of income levels and households. This project is in partnership with Brantford Native Housing, Nova Vita, and Sensity and will create much needed additional housing. A Foundation Permit was issued by the County of Brant Building Department on June 13th, 2023 and the Building Permit for development of the multi-residential, 4-story apartment building (49 units) was issued by the County on September 14, 2023. The approved budget of the development is $12,500,000 and the project is expected to be completed in Spring 2025. Building features The building has been designed to be net zero energy ready, meaning the building will be constructed with optimal efficiency, and over the course of a year, generate energy onsite, using clean renewable resources, in a quantity equal to or greater than the total amount of energy consumed onsite. Quotes “Seeing this project come to fruition is a great step forward in our commitment to providing affordable housing to residents in both the County of Brant and the City of Brantford. We are thankful to Mayor Davis and City of Brantford staff for providing social services, including housing services, to our residents and we are hopeful that through our partnerships with the City, we can continue to create opportunities that will positively impact residents.” – County of Brant Mayor David Bailey "Everyone should have the chance to feel secure and improve their quality of life through stable housing. While we know there's still a lot of work ahead to reach our goals, working together with our neighbors in the County of Brant on projects like Trillium Way is a very positive step forward and I want to thank Mayor Bailey and County of Brant staff for working with us collaboratively on this important initiative that will help many people in both our communities."  - Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis Community members interested in residing at this development can review affordable housing eligibility requirements and apply for the centralized housing waitlist at www.Brantford.ca/FindAffordableHousing or by calling 519-759-4150. Source - City of Brantford